One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

South Downs NHS Trust, however, will be doing things differently to celebrate this year's World Mental Health Day.

A range of complementary therapists will provide taster sessions and demonstrations to explore the relationship between physical and mental well-being. I have been invited to talk about how nutritional strategies can optimise mental health.

As a former sufferer of depression and severe PMS, I know only too well how mood swings and weariness can affect day-to-day living.

Even these days, it is rare to find a doctor willing to prescribe "a healthier diet and lifestyle" rather than anti-depressants or hormones which may have devastating side effects.

Yet all of us are only too aware we are what we eat and it's no easy task to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Food companies exploit our confusion or ignorance, promoting their products. Often, we learn only years later that we may be doing ourselves more harm than good.

The many food choices at our disposal make meal times more complicated and our tastebuds conditioned to more salt, sugar, flavour enhancers and processed fats.

All of these substances need to be broken down by the body, requiring extra vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. There is ample evidence, however, the food we now eat is lacking in these most basic of nutrients.

With prescriptions for anti-depressants at an all-time high and behavioural disorders continuing to rise, living in the 21st Century certainly isn't contributing to our peace of mind.

Nutrient deficiencies or poor absorption, allergies, blood sugar imbalances and pollutants such as toxic metals all alter our body chemistry which, in turn, can affect our sanity.

In official circles, the connection between food and mood is rarely acknowledged, although the brain chemicals which regulate behaviour are controlled by what we eat, drink and inhale. So, well done to South Downs NHS Trust for introducing a new approach.

While there are no guarantees life is ever going to be problem-free, it is possible to nourish and protect your brain and nervous system in order to think more calmly and clearly and reduce mood swings. Increased energy and resilience will also affect your confidence and attitude.

To maximise your brain power and banish feelings of doom and gloom, eat small regular meals and include protein and fibrous foods such as vegetables which release their sugar content into the bloodstream slowly.

Avoid processed foods and stimulants, such as caffeine, as they increase sugar levels. Increase sunlight, exercise and take supplements specific to your needs to improve mood and motivation.

You can learn how to Feed Your Body, Free Your Mind on Monday, October 11, at the Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton (10am to 4pm).

World Mental Health Day will be marked at the Brighthelm Centre on Monday where there will be free taster sessions, information and display stands, guest speakers, demonstrations of yoga and tai chi, interactive sessions and gifts for sale (10am to 4pm).

A fund-raising screening of The Hours, starring Nicole Kidman, will be presented by charity Impact Initiatives at the Duke Of York's cinema, Preston Circus, Brighton, on Sunday, as part of World Mental Health Day. The film, which will be shown at 1.30pm, will be introduced by Impact's chief executive Chris Peters. Tickets are £6/£4.70 concs.

Martina is a qualified nutritional therapist and works at the Crescent Clinic of Complementary Medicine and the Dolphin House Clinic, both in Brighton. Call 01273 324790 or visit www.thehealthbank.co.uk
If you have a question for Martina, write to her at Features Department, The Argus, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Brighton BN1 8AR or email features@theargus.co.uk